As the Future Homes Standard reshapes the landscape of new-build housing, Mark Hickox, sales director at Thermoseal Group, reflects on what the changes mean for IGU manufacturers and why component performance has become increasingly critical.
“The Future Homes Standard is not just another regulatory adjustment – it represents a fundamental shift in how performance is understood, measured and ultimately achieved in new-build glazing,” Mark said.
“From my perspective, the most significant change lies in the move to the Home Energy Model. We are transitioning away from standardised assumptions and towards the assessment of each individual window based on its exact specification. That shift brings a new level of precision, but also a new level of responsibility.”
According to Mark, every component within the IGU now directly contributes to the overall calculation, including spacer bars, sealants and desiccants.
“In practical terms, this means there is far less margin for error. Window designs are becoming more complex, apertures are often smaller, and decorative features can reduce glass area. All of this makes achieving target U-values more challenging.
“Against that backdrop, even marginal gains in component performance can determine whether a window passes or fails.”
Mark believes the implications for IGU manufacturers are clear.
“Performance can no longer be assumed – it must be engineered, understood and evidenced.
“That word ‘evidenced’ is key. Under the Future Homes Standard, it’s not enough to state a level of performance; you need to demonstrate how it has been achieved. Data integrity, traceability and validated testing are becoming just as important as the products themselves.”
Mark explained that Thermoseal Group has been investing in this area for some time by retaining manufacturing, testing and development within a single operation.
“By retaining manufacturing, testing and development under one roof, we are able to provide customers with fully evidenced component performance, supported by advanced EN1279 laboratory testing and real-world validation.
“This approach gives manufacturers confidence, not only in the consistency of the components they receive, but in the data that underpins their own compliance calculations.”
He added that understanding the thermal contribution of each component is becoming increasingly important.
“When every decimal point matters, understanding the thermal contribution of each component becomes a competitive advantage, not just a technical detail.”
Looking ahead, Mark believes the Future Homes Standard will accelerate wider industry change.
“Supplier relationships will increasingly be built on technical capability, transparency and trust. Manufacturers will look for partners who can do more than supply – they will need support, insight and evidence.
“That is where Thermoseal Group is positioned. Our focus has always been on delivering high-performance components, backed by robust testing, consistent production and practical technical expertise.
“As the industry adapts, those fundamentals become even more valuable. Because under the Future Homes Standard, compliance is not about approximation – it’s about precision.”
For more information visit www.thermosealgroup.com or call 0121 331 3955.
